STATEHOUSE – The 2014 legislative session has adjourned with House Republicans continuing their track record of delivering on the promises they set in their legislative agenda.

Prior to the start of session, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), joined by State Representative Kathy Kreag Richardson (R-Noblesville) and other members of the House Republican Caucus, presented Indiana: Working on Progress, where they outlined five key concepts as their agenda for the 2014 legislative session.

Cutting Taxes (SEA 1)Indiana has one of the top, pro-business tax climates, but taxing capital investment puts Indiana at a competitive disadvantage with other states. Compared to other Midwestern states, Indiana has the highest effective business personal property tax rate. House Republicans championed options geared towards making Indiana and its local communities as competitive as possible in attracting new jobs and new business investment to the state.

SEA 1 allows counties the opportunity to decide whether to exempt new investments on business equipment from the personal property tax, to grant a small business exemption and to give extended abatement to selected projects. The legislation also draws the state’s corporate income and financial institutions tax rate to 4.9 percent. When phased in, Indiana will have the second lowest corporate income tax rate in the nation.

“Indiana must continue to be innovative and look for every opportunity to stay ahead of the competition. Lower taxes are a proven incentive to attract business investment. By providing counties additional options to attract new jobs, our state’s economy will be stronger,” said Bosma.

Connecting Crossroads to Communities (HEA 1002)Having a superior, statewide transportation system is crucial to Indiana’s economy and future growth. In 2013, over $500B in goods traveled on Indiana roadways. Increasing our investment in roads directly provides job opportunities. HEA 1002 provides for an additional $400M in state funds to be allocated to major highway lane projects.

“As the Crossroads of America, it is important that we continue to maintain and expand our vast transportation infrastructure to keep up with demand. Thanks to sound budgeting by the state, we were able to set aside additional money to fund our roadways this year. These projects directly translate into thousands of jobs for our workforce,” said Rep. Richardson.

Equipping our Workforce (HEA 1003)More than 930,000 Hoosiers – one-third of Indiana’s workforce – lack the most basic skills needed for today’s economy. House Republicans addressed the skills gap by providing additional incentives to employers who partner with education institutions to provide internships in high wage, high demand jobs.

“Having tools and programs available for Hoosiers to sharpen their skills is critical to compete in the 21st century. Students need more opportunities and access to internships and apprenticeships with their studies, and HEA 1003 encourages collaboration between educational institutions and private employers,” said Rep. Richardson. “Increasing educational opportunities for our future workforce and providing incentives for keeping talent right here in our state will keep this state growing and Hoosiers working.”

Preparing Kids for their Careers (HEA 1004)Children who aren’t ready for kindergarten are half as likely to read proficiently by third grade, and children who aren’t reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. In 2013, House Republicans initiated a small step towards addressing this issue through an investment in high quality preschool programs. This year, House Republicans achieved their goal of a preschool pilot program that will fund low-income students who attend a high quality program. The program is limited to families at 127 percent of the federal poverty level and below.

“There is no doubt that a high quality education provides the foundation of a child’s education. A solid educational foundation provides a child with limitless career opportunities in the future,” said Speaker Bosma.

“Many years of work have led to this meaningful first step. With bipartisan support, Indiana will launch a pilot program, so low-income Hoosiers can attend high-quality preschool programs. This is about giving the most at-risk children the best possible start to their schooling,” said Rep. Richardson.

Stopping Burdensome Regulations (HEA 1005)The Government Reduction Committee was established in 2010 to better protect Hoosier taxpayers. As a result of this committee’s work to have a leaner, more efficient state government, 40 boards and commissions along with over 400 appointments have been eliminated. House Republicans continued this initiative through legislation to eliminate duplicative code, red tape and layers of bureaucracy.

“Through fiscal integrity and a more efficient government, we have put Indiana on the map as a model for other states to follow. We have furthered those efforts this year by continuing to cut red tape and removing outdated regulations” said Rep. Richardson.

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